Vertical transmission and maternal passive immunity post-SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Since 2020, the highly contagious nature and various transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 have rendered the pandemic interminable. Vertical transmission through the placenta and breast milk, which is frequent for certain virus types, is thought to exist for SARS-CoV-2 and is hypothesized by many researchers. Conversely, antibodies are produced to counteract the effect of viruses. Since newborns' immunologic system cannot produce proper antibodies, maternal antibodies are usually transferred from mother to infant/fetus to meet the need. This theory leads to the hypothesis of transmission of antibodies through the placenta and breast milk following SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. This paper further discusses these hypotheses, considering consequences of fetus/infant harm versus benefit.